Exercise and communication system and associated methods

ABSTRACT

An exercise and communications system includes an interactive device, a remote device, and an external device, wherein the interactive device is configured to gather data relating to a user of the system and transmit the same to the remote device, and the remote device is configured to provide analyze the data and transmit a response to the interactive device, which in turn communicates the response to the user and additionally communication with an external device for retrieval of instructions, programs, and data, inter alia. An exercise and communications system facilitates communication between a plurality of users, each having an interactive device and a remote device.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

This application is a Divisional of U.S. patent Ser. No. 14/474,239,filed Sep. 1, 2014, which is a Divisional of U.S. Ser. No. 12/827,888filed Jun. 30, 2010, now U.S. Pat. No. 8,821,350, which claims fullParis Convention priority on U.S. Provisional Ser. No. 61/222,749, filedon Jul. 2, 2009, the entire content of each is incorporated herein byreference.

BACKGROUND

This disclosure relates to interactive exercise devices and systems forcommunication between components of the same as well as users andcommunications between related interactive exercise devices.

SUMMARY

Briefly stated an exercise and communications system includes aninteractive device, a remote device, and an external device, wherein theinteractive device is configured to gather data relating to a user ofthe system and transmit the same to the remote device, and the remotedevice is configured to analyze the data and transmit a response to theinteractive device, which in turn communicates the response to the userand additionally communicates with an external device for retrieval ofinstructions, programs, and data, inter alia. An exercise andcommunications system facilitates communication between a plurality ofusers, each having an interactive device and a remote device.

According to embodiments of the present disclosure, a system isdisclosed, which may collect and transmit wirelessly biometric feedbackfrom an individual (e.g., walkers, joggers, which could be integratedwith a pedometer), while using a biometric data probe (e.g., earpiece),or to a group of individuals (e.g., track athletes, cross country,skiers, cyclists, swimmers, water polo players, baseball players,football players, soccer players, field hockey players, ice hockeyplayers, rowers, etc.), whereby a centralized “coaching data collectionand communication system” would facilitate monitoring the athletesbiometric and training goals or the patients biometric feedbackincluding temperature, heart rate, oxygen saturation, end tidal carbondioxide, etc., and also allow a coach or health care professional tocommunicate directly with an individual or to a specific and selectgroup of individuals.

According to embodiments of the present disclosure, GPS support may beprovided as would all of the data collection (e.g., time, distance,calorie consumption, speed, calculated VO₂ Max. Value, work load,strength, etc.) from the individual and/or the team which would alsoprovide for complete communications capabilities including two-waycommunications to include cell transmissions for phone andentertainment, with audio message alerts preset by the athlete or coachfor training zone high and low limits whereby customized trainingregimen options could be selected by the individual or group, and/ordownloaded via our training systems to maximize the training experience.A normal training regimen can be set by the individual by inputting theindividual's gender, weight, age, etc. Customized training can be inputby the individual. Additionally, a specific “stamina test” regimen canbe selected for the individual or for the group. The “coach” can accessthe program and monitor and change the workout, either up or down tomake it harder or easier. A competition could be developed by acommunity of users of the system, the “Bio-Pod community,” for example,broadcasting worldwide via Web TV.

According to embodiments of the present disclosure, an interactivedevice comprises one or more sensors configured to sense at least onephysiological parameter of a user during an activity. The sensors may beadapted to sense the at least one physiological parameter from any partof the user's body, including but not limited to a finger, ear, mouth,arm, leg, trunk. The at least one physiological parameter sensed by theinteractive device corresponds to a measurable aspect of an activity ofthe user and may be at least one of heart rate, oxygen saturation andend tidal carbon dioxide. A remote interface is configured tocommunicate data corresponding to the at least one physiologicalparameter to a remote device during the activity, and further configuredto receive from the remote device a response corresponding to the atleast one physiological parameter. The response is determined by theremote device based on whether the at least one physiological parameteris within a predetermined criteria.

A user interface configured to communicate the response to the user alsois provided. The user interface may comprise an audio speaker configuredto transmit audible messages to the user. The remote device isconfigured to be supported by the user during an activity and may be awatch, a cell phone, a personal digital assistant or an arm mountfixation device. The one or more sensors and the remote device may beintegrated in a single housing configured to be disposed within an earof the user, and the end tidal carbon dioxide sensor may be mounted on atube located in front of the user's mouth. The interactive device may bein wireless communication with the remote interface. The remote devicemay be in operative communication with an external device, and theexternal device may be, among other things, an entertainment system, acomputing system, a video game console, and/or Web TV.

According to embodiments of the present disclosure, methods performed bya remote device in data communication with an interactive devicecomprise, in combination, determining a selected exercise mode,receiving, from an interactive device, data corresponding to a parametersensed by the interactive device, comparing the data to a predeterminedcriteria associated with the selected exercise mode, selecting apredetermined response based on whether the data is within the criteriaassociated with the selected exercise mode, and transmitting thepredetermined response to the interactive device. The predeterminedresponse is communicated to the user via the interactive device, and maybe communicated via an audio output device of the interactive device.

The selected exercise mode may be selected by a user from among aplurality of exercise modes. The parameter sensed by the interactivedevice corresponds to a physiological parameter of the user, and thephysiological parameter may be at least one of heart rate, temperature,oxygen saturation and end tidal carbon dioxide. The remote device andinteractive device may be integrated into a single housing configured tobe disposed within an ear of the user. Embodiments may further comprisetransmitting the data corresponding to the parameter to an externaldevice and/or retrieving associated responses and criteria from anexternal device. The data may be downloaded and stored in an externaldevice such as a personal computer, a log card, a memory stick or otherdevice capable of storing data. The external device may distribute thedata corresponding to the parameter and/or a response to at least oneother user.

According to embodiments of the present disclosure, an exercise andcommunications system comprises an interactive device configured tocollect biometric information from any part of a first user's body,e.g., a first user's ear during an activity, a remote device inoperative communication with the interactive device and an externaldevice in operative communication with the remote device. Theinteractive device and the remote device may be integrated into a singlehousing configured to be clipped to or disposed within the user's ear.The external device receives the collected biometric information fromthe remote device and may include an entertainment system, a computingsystem, the internet, a video game console, Web TV and/or a second user.The interactive device and/or the remote device responds to thecollected biometric information by effecting alterations to the activityof the first user. The external device responds to the collectedbiometric information by transmitting information to the interactivedevice and/or providing real time audio communication to the first userduring the activity. The biometric information may be collected by pulseoximetry and may be heart rate, temperature, end tidal carbon dioxideand/or oxygen saturation. Likewise, those helpful and other data areincluded within this subset according to the teachings of the instantdisclosure.

DRAWINGS

The above-mentioned features and objects of the present disclosure willbecome more apparent with reference to the following description takenin conjunction with the accompanying drawings wherein like referencenumerals denote like elements and in which:

FIG. 1 is a schematic block diagram illustrating various systemcomponents configured to operate and communicate as used by a singleuser, according to embodiments of the present disclosure;

FIG. 2 is a schematic block diagram illustrating various systemcomponents configured to operate and communicate as used by a pluralityof users, according to embodiments of the present disclosure;

FIG. 3 is a block diagram illustrating the various system componentsincluding an interactive device and a remote device, according toembodiments of the present disclosure;

FIG. 4 is an operational flow diagram illustrating a process foroperating at least one of an interactive device and a remote device,according to embodiments of the present disclosure;

FIG. 5 is a perspective view of an interactive device, according toembodiments of the present disclosure;

FIG. 6 is a perspective view of an interactive device, according toembodiments of the present disclosure;

FIG. 7 is a perspective view of an interactive device and carbon dioxidesensor, according to embodiments of the present disclosure;

FIG. 8 is a perspective view of an interactive device and carbon dioxidesensor, according to embodiments of the present disclosure; and

FIG. 9 is a perspective view of an arm mounted fixation device,according to embodiments of the present disclosure.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The present invention has taken a lifetime of sports and fitnesstraining and combined it with modern technology to provide a new systemfor super-motivated users. According to embodiments of the presentdisclosure, an exercise and communications system is disclosed, whichmay collect and transmit wirelessly biometric feedback from anindividual, while using a biometric data probe (e.g., earpiece), or to agroup of individuals (e.g., track athletes, cross country, skiers,cyclists, swimmers, water polo players, baseball players, footballplayers, soccer players, field hockey players, ice hockey players,etc.), whereby a centralized “coaching data collection and communicationsystem” would facilitate monitoring the athletes' biometric and traininggoals or the patients biometric feedback including heart rate,temperature, oxygen saturation, end tidal carbon dioxide, etc., and alsoallow a coach or health care professional to communicate directly withan individual or to a specific and select group of individuals.

According to embodiments of the present disclosure, GPS support may beprovided as would all of the data collection (e.g., time, distance,calorie consumption, speed, calculated VO₂ Max. Value, etc.) from theindividual and/or the team which would also provide for completecommunications capabilities including two-way communications to includecell transmissions for phone and entertainment, with audio messagealerts preset by the athlete or coach for training zone high and lowlimits whereby customized training regimen options could be selected bythe individual or group, and/or downloaded via our training systems tomaximize the training experience.

According to embodiments, and as shown in FIG. 1, an exercise andcommunications system 100 is shown, wherein interactive device 200 maybe configured to interface with a remote device 300, which may beconfigured to interface with an external device 400.

According to embodiments, interactive device 200 may be a non-invasivedevice to facilitate and support an exercise training and bio-feedbacksystem. For example, interactive device 200 may be or include hand gripswith sensors, a chest strap, a pulse oximeter device to obtainheart-rate from a finger or ear lobe of a user. Interface device 200 maybe configured to sense physiological parameters relating to the user aswell other data relating to the environment of the user, and may beconfigured to provide information to the user during an activity.

According to embodiments, remote device 300 may include a device thatmay be supported by or near a user during an activity. For example,remote device 300 may include a watch, a cell phone, a personal digitalassistant, an arm mount fixation device, a device configured to besupported by a user, a device configured to be supported by an exercisedevice (e.g., a stationary or non-stationary bicycle), or othercommunication that provides enhanced features via a communicationsinterface that links to interactive device 200. According toembodiments, interactive device 200 and remote device 300 may beseparate while maintaining a communications link or may be integratedinto a single housing.

According to embodiments, interactive device 200 may collect dataregarding a user, a physiological parameter of the user, the user'sperformance during an activity, or the environment of the user. Forexample, interactive device 200 may monitor a user's heart rate,temperature, oxygen saturation, end tidal carbon dioxide, etc. or anycombination thereof. Collection of various combinations of physiologicalparameters could be combined with communication features to createmodels tailored to the desires of different types of users. For example,a “sport” model might comprise collection of heart rate data andcommunication features. A “competition” model for serious athletes mightcomprise collection of heart rate data and oxygen saturation datatogether with communication features. A “pro” model for professionalathletes might comprise collection of heart rate data, oxygen saturationdata and end tidal carbon dioxide data together with communicationfeatures.

According to embodiments, interactive device 200 may monitor the user'sphysiological parameters, physical performance, location, globalposition, rate of travel, pace of movement, etc. Information gathered byinteractive device 200 may be stored or communicated to remote device300. Remote device 300 may analyze, process, or manipulate theinformation from interface device 200 and store it or provide a responseto interactive device 200, causing interactive device 200 to provide afeature to the user. The feature provided to the user may be a report, awarning, an instruction, music, or other response to the informationexchanged between interactive device 200 and remote device 300. Forexample, interactive device 200 may notify a user when interactivedevice 200 is out of range of remote device 300, when the user is notachieving target goals, or when the user is outside predetermined safetyparameters. The user can input into the interactive device 200 thedesired training and/or safety parameters including target goals and/ordesired heart rate. The user can input these data from a computer orweb-based interfaces, and the data can be wirelessly downloaded to theinteractive device 200. Additionally the system offers safety featuresfor both exercise fitness training and for healthcare users.

According to embodiments, at least one of interactive device 200 andremote device 300 may respond to data collected by effecting alterationsto the activity or environment of the user. For example, where a bicycleis used, at least one of interactive device 200 and remote device 300may alter resistance or other feature of the bicycle relative to theaction of the user. Where a treadmill is used, at least one ofinteractive device 200 and remote device 300 may alter the speed,incline, or other features of the treadmill. Such adjustments may bemade to attempt to bring the user into a predetermined target range ofdesired values corresponding to the collected data. Other exercisemachines may be used such as rowing or “erg” machines, and any otherdeveloped technology of existing machines.

According to embodiments, a bicycle configured for use with exercise andcommunications system 100 may include a resistance device responsive tocommands from a user or components of exercise and communications system100. The resistance device may include a disk brake mechanism withmagnets with variable and controllable distance from the disk or steelor other durable material. The magnets may create a simplistic magneticresistance mechanism that can be controlled wirelessly or by a thumbshifter to easily increase or decrease the resistance by adjusting hownear or far away the magnets come to the disk, thereby increasing thedrag and the workload which would force the user to increase their workrate and subsequent increased heart-rate, allowing them to customizetheir workout based on heart-rate and their desired “Target Zone” fortraining. Such adjustments may be user controlled or automated based oncalculations, commands, and responses of components of exercise andcommunications system 100. Alternatively, the adjustments may becontrolled wirelessly by the “coach.” The resistance provided by thedisk brake mechanism may provide a more rigorous workout withoutrequiring the user to achieve a high speed of motion. Such a disk brakemechanism may be configured for a stationary or non-stationary bicycle.

According to embodiments, a user may use one or both of interactivedevice 200 and remote device 300 to choose a mode. (e.g., “Running”,“Jogging”, “Walking”, “Swimming”, “Exercising at home or at a healthtraining facility”, “Cycling”, etc.). The modes may be applications or“apps” downloadable from the internet and may be stored in interactivedevice 200. Each mode may have a predetermined or user-determinable setof criteria such as target goals, safe range of physiologicalparameters, etc. Analysis of data collected by interactive device 200may correspond to these criteria.

According to embodiments, interactive device 200 may be a deviceconfigured to be disposed within an ear of the user or clipped orotherwise mounted to an ear of the user and to collect bio-metric vitalsign feedback from the user's ear and/or earlobe and provide continuousor intermittent communication (e.g., audio) to the user during anactivity. FIG. 5 shows an exemplary embodiment of an interactive device200 a designed to be disposed within the user's ear. FIG. 6 shows anexemplary embodiment of an interactive device 200 b designed to beclipped or mounted to the user's ear. Interactive device 200 b mayinclude one or more of ear lobe clip 202 and/or over-the-ear mountingmember 204. Such interactive device may be an earpiece that hasBluetooth functionality. It should be understood that such interactivedevices 200 may be employ any known method of mounting to or within anear including combinations of in-ear and over-the-ear mounting designs.

As shown in FIG. 7, interactive device 200 may also include a deviceconfigured to be positioned in front of the mouth of the user to sensecarbon dioxide levels during expiration. In exemplary embodiments, sucha device may comprise one or more tubes 210 coupled to the ear devicemounting a carbon dioxide sensor 212 and extending to a location infront of the mouth of the user. In this way, all biometric sensingfunctions are incorporated into a single earpiece.

Alternatively, a second earpiece or ear clip could be provided inconjunction with the tube. As shown in FIG. 8, if a second earpiece isutilized, the two earpieces may be connected via a headset 220 to beworn by the user, the headset either connecting at the top of the user'shead or on the back of the head near the user's neck. A carbon dioxidesensor 212 may be mounted on or inside one or more tubes 210 at or nearthe tips of the tubes to collect and acquire a carbon dioxide expirationreading. One earpiece 200 b may house wireless communicationfunctionality such as Bluetooth while the other earpiece 200 c has atube 210 and wiring to carbon dioxide sensor 212 on the tip of the tube210. The carbon dioxide gas expiration reading is collected by thecarbon dioxide sensor 212. The collected data may be transmitted toremote device 300. A visual readout may also be provided, such as acycle-type computer and receiver device, a computer watch, or a smartphone or PDA-type device which could attach to the user, a fanny-pack,an arm mount fixation device 206 as shown in FIG. 9, or any exercisehardware training equipment, etc. By providing the ability to collectheart rate, oxygen saturation and end tidal carbon dioxide levels, theuser can create a calculated VO₂ max, or maximal oxygen consumption,which is the user's maximum capacity to transport and utilize oxygenduring exercise.

According to embodiments, a “COACHING” feature may audibly reinforce theuser if the user falls below a targeted training zone heart rate, forexample, along with providing intermittent feedback on training sessionfeatures (e.g., “TIME”, “DISTANCE”, “CALORIE CONSUMPTION”, “SPEED”,“OXYGEN CONSUMPTION”, “VO₂ Max”, etc.). According to embodiments, atleast one of interactive device 200 and remote device 300 may facilitatewireless 2-way communication (e.g., walkie-talkie feature), wirelesscell phone communication capabilities, wireless radio, satellite radio,analog or digital media playback, along with receiving a variety ofwireless transmissions from a smart phone or PDA-like devices, etc.According to embodiments, multiple users having respective interactivedevices 200 or remote device 300 may communicate with each otherdirectly or via external device 400. For example, a user may haveone-way or two-way communications with a coach, instructor, or othersource of information and/or support, wherein the coach, instructor,etc. may receive information gathered by at least one of interactivedevice 200 and remote device 300. By further example, multiple users mayhave one-way or two-way communications with each other, such as whenmultiple users are participants on a team (e.g., baseball, football,soccer, field hockey, ice hockey, etc.). Embodiments could providecommunication to hikers, backpackers, cyclists, mountain bikers,mountain climbers and other outdoor enthusiasts via wirelesscommunication such as Bluetooth. The data and communications couldinclude GPS information about the users' locations so lost hikers orbackpackers could be easily rescued.

According to embodiments, remote device 300 may be configured tocommunicate with at least one external device 400. External device 400may include an information provider, a service-based center, acounselor, an advisor, a coach, a medical professional, an emergencyresponse center, an information database, a personal computing system, acentral computing system, a distributed computing system, a server, acommunications exchange system, a global navigation satellite system, anentertainment system, a video game console (e.g., Nintendo's Wii,Microsoft's Project Natal for Xbox 360), Web TV, etc., cloud-basedentertainment and content stored in data centers, or any intermediaryconnecting to or between one or more of such points.

According to embodiments, from external device 400, applications, media,software, or other information or data may be retrieved before, during,or after an activity. For example, activity results may be downloadedfrom remote device 300 to external device 400, for analysis by externaldevice 400. For example, a training program on external device 400 mayallow the user to evaluate and/or adjust their exercise training targetsbased upon data such as the heart rate, end tidal CO₂, saturated oxygenand VO₂ max signal feedback acquired from the user during prior activitysessions. Connection with external device 400 may include the ability tocommunicate with Web TV on-air programming such as P90X, spinning class,Tae-Bo, or other training or exercise classes as well as video gamechallenges through connection with video game consoles. Other featuresof interactive device 200 or remote device 300 may be customized by theuser via external device 400.

According to embodiments, a variety of applications or sub-applicationsmay be provided, each corresponding to separate training program (e.g.,running, jogging, walking, cycling, exerciser systems including at homeuse or health and fitness training facilities using a treadmill,elliptical, stepper, climber, etc.). Applications may be sold orprovided separately, downloaded from the internet (e.g., via externalremote device 300 or external device 400), provided after theuser/purchaser registers their device with the company. After salemarketing or consumer specific access via email, special broadcastoffers, etc. may be made directly to the user, with their approval toreceive such advertising and promotional messages. For example, a usermay periodically receive training tips from the companies advisoryboard, (e.g., Ex-Olympians, Top Amateurs, Professional athletes, etc.)from around the world. Additionally, “special offers” could be directedto the user from suppliers and/or retailers either in a retail storeenvironment while the user is shopping or shopping alerts offered by websites such as www.purchaseperks.com, or relating to the activity-typeselected by the user, and possibly leading to connectivity to socialnetworks for walkers, runners, cyclists or other relevant groups tolearn about events, blog connections, and special offers, etc.

According to embodiments, and as shown in FIG. 2, a plurality of usersmay each be provided with an interactive device 200, each linking to arespective remote device 300. All of the remote devices 300 may beconfigured to communicate with a single external device 400, such thatinformation gathered from each of the plurality of interactive devices200 and remote devices 300 may be collected and analyzed from a singlesource. Likewise, external device 400 may be configured to transmitinformation to each of the remote devices 300, each of which, in turn,communicating with the corresponding interactive device 200. Thereby,information gathered from each user or responses generated in responseto information gathered from each user may be shared and communicated toall users. The set of users may be defined by a common subscription to agroup, service, or plan. According to embodiments, users may exchangeinformation during an exercise activity.

According to embodiments, a plurality of users may be linked tocommunicate with each other or with a central “coach” via thecommunications configuration as shown in FIG. 2. Communication may beautomated, wherein data generated by the respective components may beexchanged without input from one or more of the plurality of users.Operations supporting such are disclosed further herein. Communicationmay also be selective, wherein communications, such as voiceconversations, may be exchanged among the users.

With reference to FIG. 3, a block diagram is provided illustrating thevarious system components including interactive device 200 and remotedevice 300 in accordance with one or more embodiments of the presentdisclosure. Interactive device 200 is shown as including at least onesensor 204, controller 202, memory 210, user interface 206, remoteinterface 208, and other components as appropriate to produce thedesired functionalities of the interactive device 200. Remote device 300is shown as including device interface 308, manager interface 310,operator interface 312, processor 302, memory 304, and other componentsas appropriate to produce the desired functionalities of the remotedevice 300.

In one or more embodiments, sensor 204 may be configured to sense aphysiological parameter relating to user 12. Interactive device 200 mayobtain data from physiological signals via sensors 204. Sensors 204 maymonitor electrical, mechanical, chemical, optical, or other measurableinformation that contains physiological data of the user and can utilizeany source of signals used for physiological events, parameters, orconditions. For example, sensor 204 may comprise a sensor to detect atleast one of a user's heart rate, temperature, oxygen saturation, endtidal carbon dioxide, etc. Sensor 204 may be configured to measuremetric data apart from physiological parameters, such as intensity ofmotion, rate of movement, pace of movement, altitude, globalpositioning, ambient temperature, and other characteristics of thelocation of the interactive device 200 and/or the user. In one or moreembodiments, data obtained by sensor 204 may be provided to controller202, which suitably analyzes the data, stores appropriate data in memory210, or provides a response or report as appropriate.

In one or more embodiments, controller 202 may be configured todetermine whether a sensed physiological parameter satisfies anotification criteria. Controller 202 may be implemented with any typeof microprocessor, digital signal processor, application specificintegrated circuit (ASIC), field programmable gate array (FPGA) or otherintegrated or discrete logic circuitry programmed or otherwiseconfigured to provide functionality as described herein. Controller 202may execute instructions stored in memory 210 to provide functionalityas described herein. Instructions provided to controller 202 may beexecuted in any manner, using any data structures, architecture,programming language and/or other techniques. Memory 210 is any storagemedium capable of maintaining digital data and instructions provided tocontroller 202 such as a static or dynamic random access memory (RAM),read-only memory (ROM), non-volatile random access memory (NVRAM),electrically erasable programmable read-only memory (EEPROM), flashmemory, or any other electronic, magnetic, optical or other storagemedium. According to embodiments, interactive device 200 may operatewithout controller 202, where processor 302 of remote device 300provides processing and related functions to facilitate operation ofinteractive device 200.

In one or more embodiments, communication between interactive device 200and remote device 300 is via remote interface 208 and device interface308. Remote interface 208 may comprise any unit capable of facilitatingwired or wireless data transfer between interactive device 200 andremote device 300, where remote device 300 may comprise a separatedevice, a programming device, a remote telemetry station, auser-activated device, a mobile handheld unit (e.g., mobile phone, PDA,etc.), a personal computer, an in-home monitoring device, auser-wearable device, an arm mount fixation device, a display device, orany other type of device capable of sending and receiving signals to andfrom interactive device 200.

Components of remote interface 208 and device interface 308 may beconfigured to facilitate communication between interactive device 200and remote device 300. Remote interface 208 and device interface 308 maybe configured to perform any type of wired or wireless communication.For example, remote interface 208 and device interface 308 may send andreceive radio frequency (RF) signals, infrared (IR) frequency signals,or other electromagnetic signals. Any of a variety of modulationtechniques may be used to modulate data on a respective electromagneticcarrier wave. Alternatively, wired communications may also occur betweeninteractive device 200 and remote device 300. Communications protocolsfor managing communication between remote interface 208 and deviceinterface 308 are known, and may include IEEE 802.11, IEEE 802.3,USB-compatible, Bluetooth, etc.

In one or more embodiments, user interface 206 of interactive device 200or manager interface 310 of remote device 300 may be configured tocommunicate with the user. For example, user interface 206 or managerinterface 310 may notify the user regarding metric values relating to asensed physiological parameter (e.g., an audio speaker device, a tactilevibrating device, or other output device). Notifications may be receivedby the user via any one of the senses. For example, user interface 206may include an audio speaker, where at least a portion of interactivedevice 200 is within sufficient proximity of the ears of a user togenerate an audible message. User interface 206 or manager interface 310may include a display for conveying messages to a user.

User interface 206 or manager interface 310 may include an input devicethat allows data, commands or selections to be input into interactivedevice 200 or remote device 300 by a user. User interface 206 or managerinterface 310 may include, but is not limited to, at least one of thefollowing: a keyboard, keypad, track ball, mouse, touch-sensitivedisplays, push buttons, magnetic readers, RF readers, tablets, styluses,microphones, voice recognizers, handwriting recognizers and any otherdevice that allows a user to input data.

In one or more embodiments, processor 302 may be configured to performfunctions of remote device 300 as described herein. Processor 302 may beimplemented with any type of microprocessor, digital signal processor,application specific integrated circuit (ASIC), field programmable gatearray (FPGA) or other integrated or discrete logic circuitry programmedor otherwise configured to provide functionality as described herein.Processor 302 may execute instructions stored in memory 304 to providefunctionality as described herein. Instructions provided to processor302 may be executed in any manner, using any data structures,architecture, programming language and/or other techniques. Memory 304is any storage medium capable of maintaining digital data andinstructions provided to processor 302 such as a static or dynamicrandom access memory (RAM), read-only memory (ROM), non-volatile randomaccess memory (NVRAM), electrically erasable programmable read-onlymemory (EEPROM), flash memory, or any other electronic, magnetic,optical or other storage medium.

In one or more embodiments, data may be recorded in memory 304 for latertransmission during communication with external device 400. Such datamay include physiological parameters sensed by interactive device 200,performance statistics of a user during operation of at leastinteractive device 200, or other metrics sensed by interactive device200 or remote device 300.

Remote device 300 may further include operator interface 312 forconnecting remote device 300 to at least external device 400. Operatorinterface 312 may facilitate communication with an external device 400over communication networks, phone lines, wireless devices, publicswitched telephone network, airwaves, etc. Configurations, standards,and protocols for facilitating such communication may include cellulartelephone networks, public switched telephone network (PSTN), codedivision multiple access (CDMA), time division multiple access (TDMA),frequency-division multiple access (FDMA), global system for mobilecommunications (GSM), IEEE 802.11, IEEE 802.3, etc. Data may beexchanged between remote device 300 and external device 400, such asinstructions, tutorials, audio files, etc. According to embodiments,device interface 308 and operator interface 312 may be consolidated intoone device and set of protocols that provide the desired connections.According to embodiments, exercise and communications system 100 may beconfigured to utilize a communications network (e.g., OnStar) withappropriate interfacing configurations to sustain two-way communicationwith external device 400.

According to embodiments, one or both of interactive device 200 andremote device 300 may be configured to provide enhanced features withadditional components. For example, one or both of interactive device200 and remote device 300 may include a GPS device, AM/FM radiocircuitry, digital radio circuitry, or satellite radio circuitry.According to embodiments, such components may be provided in addition toor in combination (integrated) with components disclosed above.

According to embodiments, a series of operations may be performed by atleast one of interactive device 200 and remote device 300, or acombination of the two. According to embodiments, an exercise mode maybe determined in operation 510, wherein the exercise mode haspredetermined or customizable criteria, as disclosed herein. Theexercise mode may be customizable or selectable by a user via at leastone interface with at least one of interactive device 200, remote device300, and external device 400. According to embodiments, criteriaassociated with a given exercise mode may be determined in operation512.

According to embodiments, a parameter may be sensed in operation 514, asdisclosed herein. In operation 516, the parameter may be compared to thecriteria associated with the exercise mode. If the parameter isdetermined to be within the criteria, then a response may be generatedin operation 520. The response may be any action taken by interactivedevice 200 or remote device 300 that is predetermined based on thecriteria, as disclosed herein. The response may include an alterationmade to the activity or environment of the user, as disclosed herein.The response may result in a communication being provided to the user inoperation 522, as shown in FIG. 4. For example, a status update,motivational message, or other communication may be provided to the userby at least one of interactive device 200 and remote device 300. Wherethe parameter is determined to not be within the criteria, then theresponse may be bypassed, or a different response may be providedcorresponding to the parameter not being satisfied.

In various embodiments, an integrity management system is operational inan IT infrastructure or with numerous other general purpose or specialpurpose computing system environments or configurations or other complexsystems. Examples of well known computing systems, environments, and/orconfigurations that may be suitable for use with the invention include,but are not limited to, personal computers, server computers, hand-heldor laptop devices, notebooks, iPads, multiprocessor systems,microprocessor-based systems, set top boxes, programmable consumerelectronics, network PCs, minicomputers, mainframe computers, telephonysystems, Web TV, distributed computing environments that include any ofthe above systems or devices, and the like.

The integrity management system may be described in the general contextof computer-executable instructions, such as program modules, beingexecuted by a computer. Generally, program modules include routines,programs, objects, components, data structures, etc. that performparticular tasks or implement particular abstract data types. The systemmay also be practiced in distributed computing environments where tasksare performed by remote processing devices that are linked through acommunications network. In a distributed computing environment, programmodules may be located in both local and remote computer storage mediaincluding memory storage devices. The computer programs are stored in amemory medium or storage medium or they may be provided to a processingunit through a network or I/O bus.

In one aspect, the integrity management system includes at least onecentral processing unit (CPU) or processor. The CPU can be coupled to amemory, ROM or computer readable media containing thecomputer-executable instructions for generating and using fingerprintsfor integrity management. Computer readable media can be any availablemedia that can be accessed by the system and includes both volatile andnonvolatile media, removable and non-removable media implemented in anymethod or technology for storage of information such as computerreadable instructions, data structures, program modules or other data.Computer storage media includes, but is not limited to, RAM, ROM,EEPROM, flash memory, portable memory or other memory technology,CD-ROM, digital versatile disks (DVD) or other optical disk storage,magnetic cassettes, magnetic tape, magnetic disk storage or othermagnetic storage devices, or any other medium which can be used to storethe desired information and which can be accessed by the fingerprintgeneration and matching systems. Communication media typically embodiescomputer readable instructions, data structures, program modules orother data in a modulated data signal such as a carrier wave or othertransport mechanism and includes any information delivery media. By wayof example, and not limitation, communication media includes wired mediasuch as a wired network or direct-wired connection, and wireless mediasuch as acoustic, RF, infrared and other wireless media. Combinations ofany of the above should also be included within the scope of computerreadable media. The computer readable media may store instructionsand/or data which implement all or part of the system described herein.

The process described above can be stored in a memory of a computersystem as a set of instructions to be executed. In addition, theinstructions to perform the processes described above couldalternatively be stored on other forms of machine-readable media,including magnetic and optical disks. For example the processesdescribed could be stored on machine-readable media, such as magneticdisks or optical disks, which are accessible via a disk drive (orcomputer-readable medium drive). Further, the instructions can bedownloaded into a computing device over a data network in a form ofcompiled and linked version.

Alternatively, the logic to perform the processes as disclosed abovecould be implemented in additional computer and/or machine readablemedia, such as discrete hardware components as large-scale integratedcircuits (LSI's), application-specific integrated circuits (ASIC's),firmware such as electrically erasable programmable read only memory(EEPROM's); and electrical, optical, acoustical and other forms ofpropagated signals (e.g., carrier waves, infrared signals, digitalsignals, etc.).

While the method and agent have been described in terms of what arepresently considered to be the most practical and preferred embodiments,it is to be understood that the disclosure need not be limited to thedisclosed embodiments. It is intended to cover various modifications andsimilar arrangements included within the spirit and scope of the claims,the scope of which should be accorded the broadest interpretation so asto encompass all such modifications and similar structures. The presentdisclosure includes any and all embodiments of the following claims.

It should also be understood that a variety of changes may be madewithout departing from the essence of the invention. Such changes arealso implicitly included in the description. They still fall within thescope of this invention. It should be understood that this disclosure isintended to yield a patent covering numerous aspects of the inventionboth independently and as an overall system and in both method andapparatus modes.

Further, each of the various elements of the invention and claims mayalso be achieved in a variety of manners. This disclosure should beunderstood to encompass each such variation, be it a variation of anembodiment of any apparatus embodiment, a method or process embodiment,or even merely a variation of any element of these.

Particularly, it should be understood that as the disclosure relates toelements of the invention, the words for each element may be expressedby equivalent apparatus terms or method terms-even if only the functionor result is the same.

Such equivalent, broader, or even more generic terms should beconsidered to be encompassed in the description of each element oraction. Such terms can be substituted where desired to make explicit theimplicitly broad coverage to which this invention is entitled.

It should be understood that all actions may be expressed as a means fortaking that action or as an element which causes that action.

Similarly, each physical element disclosed should be understood toencompass a disclosure of the action which that physical elementfacilitates.

Any patents, publications, or other references mentioned in thisapplication for patent are hereby incorporated by reference. Inaddition, as to each term used it should be understood that unless itsutilization in this application is inconsistent with suchinterpretation, common dictionary definitions should be understood asincorporated for each term and all definitions, alternative terms, andsynonyms such as contained in at least one of a standard technicaldictionary recognized by artisans and the Random House Webster'sUnabridged Dictionary, latest edition are hereby incorporated byreference.

Finally, all references listed in the Information Disclosure Statementor other information statement filed with the application are herebyappended and hereby incorporated by reference; however, as to each ofthe above, to the extent that such information or statementsincorporated by reference might be considered inconsistent with thepatenting of this/these invention(s), such statements are expressly notto be considered as made by the applicant(s).

In this regard it should be understood that for practical reasons and soas to avoid adding potentially hundreds of claims, the applicant haspresented claims with initial dependencies only.

Support should be understood to exist to the degree required under newmatter laws—including but not limited to United States Patent Law 35 USC132 or other such laws—to permit the addition of any of the variousdependencies or other elements presented under one independent claim orconcept as dependencies or elements under any other independent claim orconcept.

To the extent that insubstantial substitutes are made, to the extentthat the applicant did not in fact draft any claim so as to literallyencompass any particular embodiment, and to the extent otherwiseapplicable, the applicant should not be understood to have in any wayintended to or actually relinquished such coverage as the applicantsimply may not have been able to anticipate all eventualities; oneskilled in the art, should not be reasonably expected to have drafted aclaim that would have literally encompassed such alternativeembodiments.

Further, the use of the transitional phrase “comprising” is used tomaintain the “open-end” claims herein, according to traditional claiminterpretation. Thus, unless the context requires otherwise, it shouldbe understood that the term “compromise” or variations such as“comprises” or “comprising”, are intended to imply the inclusion of astated element or step or group of elements or steps but not theexclusion of any other element or step or group of elements or steps.

Such terms should be interpreted in their most expansive forms so as toafford the applicant the broadest coverage legally permissible.

What is claimed is:
 1. A system comprising an interactive device and aremote device, wherein the interactive device comprises in combinationone or more sensors, a memory, a user interface, a controller configuredto determine whether a sensed physiological parameter satisfies apredetermined criteria, and a remote interface wherein the interactivedevice and remote device are separate while maintaining a communicationslink, or are integrated into a single housing: (i) Wherein the one ormore sensors are configured to sense at least one physiologicalparameter of a user during an activity, the physiological parameterbeing at least one of heart rate, oxygen saturation, and end tidalcarbon dioxide; (ii) Wherein the remote interface is configured tocommunicate data corresponding to the at least one physiologicalparameter to the remote device during the activity, and furtherconfigured to receive from the remote device a response corresponding tothe at least one physiological parameter, wherein the response isdetermined by the remote device based on whether the at least onephysiological parameter is within predetermined criteria; and (iii)Wherein the user interface is configured to communicate the response tothe user, wherein the interactive device is integrated into a housingconfigured to be disposed within an ear of the user, said housingfurther comprising a sensor mounted on a tube extending from the housingand configured to locate the sensor in front of a mouth of the user whensaid housing is disposed within the ear of the user, and wherein theuser interface includes an input device that allows data or commands tobe input into interactive device or remote device by a user, and whereinthe user interface includes at least one of a keyboard, keypad, andvoice recognizer, and wherein the user interface comprises a display forconveying messages to a user, and wherein the user interface includes anaudio speaker that can generate an audible message that is of sufficientproximity to ear of a user, and wherein the display or audio speakernotifies user regarding metric values relating to a sensed physiologicalparameter, (iv) Wherein the controller acquires data obtained by sensorof Interactive Device, and wherein the controller stores the data inmemory of Interactive Device, and wherein the controller is configuredto receive instructions stored in the memory, and wherein the controllerresponds by providing a report to user regarding whether the sensedphysiological parameter satisfies the predetermined criteria; whereinthe remote device comprises a device interface, and a memory, whereinthe remote device comprises one or more of a watch, a cell phone, apersonal digital assistant (PDA), smart phone, and an arm mounteddevice, wherein the remote device further comprises a softwareapplication (app), wherein the software application comprises a trainingprogram that allows the user to evaluate or adjust exercise trainingtargets based upon physiological data such as heart rate, end tidal CO₂,saturated oxygen, or uses temperature, wherein said data are acquiredfrom the user, and wherein the software application has a predeterminedor user-determinable set of target goals and a predetermined oruser-determinable safe range of physiological parameters, and whereinthe software application is stored by said interactive device.
 2. Theinteractive device of claim 1, in combination with a remote device and adevice interface, wherein the device interface is configured for wiredcommunication between interactive device and remote device.
 3. Theinteractive device of claim 1, in combination with a remote device and adevice interface, wherein the device interface is configured fornon-wired communication between the interactive device and remotedevice.
 4. The interactive device of claim 1, in combination with aremote device and a device interface, wherein the device interface isconfigured for non-wired communication between the interactive deviceand remote device, wherein said non-wired comprises one or more of radiofrequency (RF) signals, infrared (IR) frequency signals, or acousticsignals.
 5. The interactive device of claim 1, in combination with anexternal device.
 6. The interactive device of claim 1, in combinationwith an external device, wherein the external device comprises anentertainment system, a video game console, or a web TV.
 7. Theinteractive device of claim 1, wherein said one or more sensorscomprises a pulse oximeter device configured to obtain heart-rate from afinger or ear lobe of a user.
 8. A method performed by a remote devicein data communication with an interactive device, wherein theinteractive device comprises in combination one or more sensors, amemory, a user interface, a controller, and a remote interface, whereinthe one or more sensors are configured to sense at least onephysiological parameter of a user being at least one of heart rate,oxygen saturation, and end tidal carbon dioxide, and wherein the remotedevice comprises a device interface, and a memory, the controller beingconfigured to determine whether a sensed physiological parametersatisfies a predetermined criteria; wherein the interactive device andremote device are separate while maintaining a communication link, orare integrated into a single housing, wherein the remote devicecomprises one or more of a watch, a cell phone, a personal digitalassistant (PDA), smart phone, and an arm mounted device, wherein theremote device further comprises a software application (app), whereinthe software application comprises a training program that allows theuser to evaluate or adjust exercise training targets based uponphysiological data such as heart rate, end tidal CO₂, saturated oxygen,or user's temperature, wherein the software application has apredetermined or user-determinable set of target goals and apredetermined or user-determinable safe range of physiologicalparameters, and wherein the remote interface, is configured tocommunicate data corresponding to the at least one physiologicalparameter to a remote device during the activity, and further configuredto receive from the remote device a response corresponding to the atleast one physiological parameter, wherein the response is determined bythe remote device based on whether the at least one physiologicalparameter is within predetermined criteria; and wherein the userinterface is configured to communicate the response to the user, whereinthe interactive device is integrated into a housing configured to bedisposed within an ear of the user, said housing further comprising asensor mounted on a tube extending from the housing and configured tolocate the sensor in front of a mouth of the user when said housing isdisposed within the ear of the user, and wherein the user interfaceincludes an input device that allows data or commands to be input intointeractive device or remote device by a user, and wherein the userinterface includes at least one of a keyboard, keypad, and voicerecognizer, and wherein the user interface comprises a display forconveying messages to a user, and wherein the user interface includes anaudio speaker that can generate an audible message that is of sufficientproximity to ear of a user, and wherein the display or audio speakernotifies user regarding metric values relating to a sensed physiologicalparameter, wherein the controller acquires data obtained by sensor ofInteractive Device, and wherein the controller stores the data in memoryof Interactive Device, and wherein the controller is configured toreceive instructions stored in the memory, and wherein the controllerresponds by providing a report to user regarding whether the sensedphysiological parameter satisfies the predetermined criteria; whereinsaid data are acquired from the user, and wherein the method comprises:(i) Determining a selected exercise mode, wherein the selected exercisemode is selected by a user from among a plurality of exercise modes;(ii) Receiving, from the interactive device, data corresponding to aparameter sensed by the interactive device; (iii) Comparing the data toa predetermined criteria or to predetermined target goal associated withthe selected exercise mode; (iv) Selecting a predetermined responsebased on whether the data are within the criteria associated with theselected exercise mode; and (v) Transmitting the predetermined responseto the interactive device, whereby the predetermined response iscommunicated to the user via the interactive device.
 9. The method ofclaim 8, wherein the predetermined response is communicated to the uservia an audio output device of the interactive device.
 10. The method ofclaim 8, wherein the parameter sensed by the interactive devicecorresponds to a physiological parameter of the user.
 11. The method ofclaim 8, wherein the parameter sensed by the interactive devicecorresponds to a physiological parameter of the user, and wherein thephysiological parameter is at least one of heart rate, temperature,oxygen saturation, user's temperature, and end tidal carbon dioxide. 12.The method of claim 8, wherein the remote device and interactive deviceare integrated into a single housing configured to be disposed within anear of the user.
 13. The method of claim 8, further comprising: (i)Transmitting the data corresponding to the parameter to an externaldevice; (ii) Retrieving associated responses and criteria from anexternal device; or (iii) Transmitting the data corresponding to theparameter to an external device and also retrieving associated responsesand criteria from an external device.
 14. The method of claim 13,whereby the external device distributes at least one of the datacorresponding to the parameter and a response to at least one otheruser.
 15. The method of claim 8, wherein the predetermined response iscommunicated to the user via an audio output device of the interactivedevice, wherein the interactive device comprises a GPS device, andwherein the GPS device provides audio message alerts for training zonehigh and low limits.
 16. The method of claim 8, wherein the exercisemode is running, jogging, walking, swimming, or cycling.